The first-year Lee University women's lacrosse team lost by a 19-9 margin to Tennessee Wesleyan University Friday afternoon at Lee's South Quad Field. The Lady Flames dropped to 0-11, while the Lady Bulldogs (ranked No. 6 in the NAIA) improved to 10-4.
For most of the game, the Lady Flames played short one player until an injury to goalkeeper Katelyn Burkett forced Lee to play the final 21 minutes down two players.
"These girls don't stop fighting until the last minute of the game and I could not be more proud of that," said Lee head coach Addie Wadley. "They have come so far since we played this team (TWU) in the fall."
Tennessee Wesleyan scored the first three goals of the game before Rachel Duda responded with her second goal of the season. Hanah Rotello and Brianne Schapira each tallied their team-leading 14 goals of the season to pull the Lady Flames to within 5-3 with 10:49 remaining in the opening half.
The Lady Bulldogs stretched their lead to seven with five consecutive goals in six minutes. Madeline Perrigo recorded back-to-back goals to close out the half with Lee trailing 10-5.
Lee was outscored 9-4 in the final 30 minutes. Rotello and Schapira back the back of the net twice in the second half to finish with three goals each. Â
Burkett made her first start in goal for Lee and recorded nine saves before leaving the game. Jayne Renfro moved from her position in the field for the final 20:49. She gave up four goals and registered two saves. Renfro also recorded an assist in the first half.
Jasmine Hickman led TWU with five goals. Mikaya Virden added four goals and Emily Waldroop had three. Kelly Bilz saved seven shots to earn the win in goal.
The Lady Flames return to GSC action for the final three games of the regular season, starting with Alabama Huntsville on Monday. First draw is set for 4 p.m. at the South Quad Field.
